Glass Fusing, Slumping and Kiln Formed Work
Course overview
These Saturday workshops with tutor Shirley Eccles are suitable for all abilities; both beginners and those who have some experience and wish to expand their glasswork skills.
As a beginner, you will learn the skills needed to create your own fused glass art and have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of techniques and glass-fusing materials.
More advanced and experienced students will have the opportunity to pursue their own work with tutoring and technical feedback from the tutor and learn more advanced techniques throughout the course. You will work at your own pace and level.
A different project will be covered in each workshop and will start with a demonstration of the technique involved, the materials needed and their use (all materials will be provided for the project). You will have the opportunity to experiment with the technique and produce at least one piece of fused glass per session
PLEASE NOTE: Glass pieces will be taken away for firing and returned to the venue for collection.
During these Saturday workshops, you will be introduced to different glass fusing, slumping and kiln-formed techniques. You will have the opportunity to experiment with fusing different coloured glass and including glass accessories such as confetti, frits, rods and stringers as well as working with other alternative materials depending on the project. You will familiarise yourself with the different glass tools and how to use them correctly. You will learn how to cut glass accurately both with a strip cutter and freehand, and later progress to cutting circles.
A brief introduction to the theory of glass fusing will be given and firing schedules and temperatures for each project will be explained.
All students are supported by expert tutor Shirley Eccles throughout each project and furthermore, you will get the opportunity to develop your skills according to your own specific needs and interest.
Teaching methods include:
- formal instruction
- practical demonstration
- individual tuition
- discussion
- feedback and analysing results
- practical experience
- guidance on kilns and firings where needed
It is a good idea to do some research beforehand and arrive with potential projects/ideas to develop in addition to those that will be suggested by your tutor.
Please bring some resources: a notepad, a pen, a pencil, a ruler. a rubber, a clean cotton tea towel and most importantly a fine waterproof marker pen (Sharpie), dust mask, safety goggles and an apron.
Please note that all specialist tools and materials are provided for classroom use only.
It is essential that you wear flat, closed-toe shoes, not sandals or flip-flops, as this is a safety requirement.
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.